<p>Are professors willing to help you with your own projects if you're just some random high school student (rising junior) who doesn't have any research experience, but has a solid science background? Would it be too forward to ask them help you if you're some random kid they don't even know about? I'm debating just helping a professor with his existing project, since I don't really have any experience. But I wouldn't get a paper out of it - I'd only maybe get a recommendation and a learning experience. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Go for it! Don’t be surprised if you get a no, or (more likely) if you’re simply ignored, but with persistence you can find someone who’s willing to help you.</p>
<p>Tip: Read an article of theirs beforehand, and ask a few questions.</p>
<p>I have the same concern. Without any research experience, getting accepted into a summer program seems slim. And I’m not sure what the professor expects me to do.</p>
<p>I’d like to be able to pursue my own independent research project, but I also feel that I should just help out around the lab since I have no experience. </p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/834923-would-unprofessional-if-i-email-professors-asking-internship.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/834923-would-unprofessional-if-i-email-professors-asking-internship.html</a></p>
<p>You might want to ask there.</p>